INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Olympians who competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro recently received Sagamore of the Wabash awards at the Indianapolis Colts season opener on September 11. The Governor, First Lady Karen Pence, and Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb, along with the Indiana Olympians Association, Indiana Sports Corp and the Indianapolis Colts celebrated the Team USA members at a private reception before the Colts contest against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Olympians in attendance were Amy Cozad, Michael Hixon, Steele Johnson and Jessica Parratto (Diving), Lee Kiefer and Gerek Meinhardt (Fencing), Amanda Elmore (Rowing), Lilly King, Cody Miller, and Blake Pieroni (Swimming), and Amber Campbell (Track & Field).
The Sagamore of the Wabash award, given to Hoosiers who have rendered distinguished service to the state and contributed greatly to Indiana’s heritage. Each Olympian was also honored with an Indiana Bicentennial Commemorative Medal, a special memento to commemorate the state’s 200 years of history. At halftime of the game, the Olympians were recognized at midfield and presented custom Indianapolis Colts jerseys.
Twenty Olympians who were born, train, or compete in the state of Indiana, represented Team USA in events which include basketball, cycling, diving, fencing, rowing, swimming, tennis and track and field. Indiana is also home to three national governing bodies which competed in the summer games, USA Diving, USA Gymnastics and USA Track & Field. During the 2016 Olympic Games, Olympians with Indiana ties accounted for 19 of Team USA’s total medal count.
